What is impairment in the workplace?
Table of Contents
What is impairment in the workplace?
The term impairment refers to a variety of conditions and/or substances that impact a worker’s normal ability to work safely. Impairment can come from fatigue, stress, illness, or the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescribed and over-the- counter medication.
What is considered an impairment?
Impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning; examples of impairments include loss of a limb, loss of vision or memory loss. Activity limitation, such as difficulty seeing, hearing, walking, or problem solving.
What are the treatment options for impairment in the workplace?
Employers may influence employees to get help for impairment. Many employers have employee assistance programs (EAP) and educational programs to help prevent and treat drug or alcohol problems. These programs may include health promotion, education, and referral to alcohol and other drug abuse treatment programs.
What to do if you believe an employee is under the influence?
If you have facts to support a reasonable suspicion of alcohol or controlled substance use, inform the employee of the suspicion, ask the employee whether they are under the influence and ask the employee to consent to alcohol or drug testing.
How do you identify workplace impairment?
What can impairment look like?
- personality changes or erratic behaviour (e.g. increased interpersonal conflicts; overreaction to criticism)
- appearance of impairment at work (e.g., odour of alcohol or drugs, glassy or red eyes, unsteady gait, slurring, poor coordination)
What is a fit for duty policy?
A fitness for duty evaluation is designed to address behavioral changes in an employee that may pose a potential threat to self or others in the workplace.
What are the four signs of impairment?
The four signs of impairment are: Judgment, Inhibitions, Reactions and Coordination. These signs of impairment usually appear progressively; the more alcohol a guest consumes, the more signs the will exhibit.
What are signs of impairment?
What can impairment look like?
- personality changes or erratic behaviour (e.g. increased interpersonal conflicts; overreaction to criticism)
- appearance of impairment at work (e.g., odour of alcohol or drugs, glassy or red eyes, unsteady gait, slurring, poor coordination)
How can you tell if someone is impaired at work?
appearance of impairment at work (e.g., odour of alcohol or drugs, glassy or red eyes, unsteady gait, slurring, poor coordination) working in an unsafe manner or involvement in an incident. failing a drug or alcohol test. consistent lateness, absenteeism, or reduced productivity or quality of work.
How can you tell if someone is impaired?
​Impairment
- Severe mood swings, personality changes.
- Frequent or unexplained tardiness, work absences, illness or physical complaints.
- Elaborate excuses.
- Underperformance.
- Difficulty with authority.
- Poorly explained errors, accidents or injuries.
- Wearing longs sleeves when inappropriate.
How do I know if an employee is fit for duty?
The Legal Status of Fit for Duty Exams
- An employee is struggling with their job role and can’t fulfill their tasks properly.
- The employee is diagnosed with a medical condition that may hinder their working capabilities.
- The employee has increased in carelessness and recklessness.
What is an FFD exam?
FFD Exam. • The psychiatric examination of an employee to determine if that person has the capacity to safely and effectively perform their job functions.
Which is an example of impaired judgment?
Examples of Impaired judgment in a sentence Behavior or appearance which provides reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or illicit drugs.
What are the 4 signs of impairment?
